Approximately 7,000 people will benefit from the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Penang government and Food Aid Foundation in Komtar, Penang today.

The initiative, named Mutiara Food Bank, recovers food meant for disposal and instead gives it to those in need.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution (photo), who spearheads the project, explained that the food is mostly donated by hypermarkets and restaurants to the poor.

"If not donated, the food will end up in a landfill, especially food from hotels," Saifuddin said at a press conference in Komtar today...